August 2009

August 10, 2009

We go to pick up A1-3 from camp on Wednesday! I can't wait to get them back. I'm using the last few quiet days to try and establish my "working everyday" habit. We'll see what happens when they all come home.

Today, I made some "end of summer" counselor gifts for the lovely people who have been looking after my children this summer. I have been making these soaps for quite some time.

You may remember my "big plans" from long ago. Well, I haven't exactly launched things quite the way I expected. I've mostly been selling them to friends and relatives. I also use them quite extensively for gifts. They were our teacher gifts for spring and have served as hostess/ birthday gifts for many. As a matter of fact, people may be getting tired of them. I'm not really sure what to do with them exactly. The cupcakes are accompanied by hand knit washcloths that look like little doilies and packaged in bakery boxes with a ribbon.

Ready to gift. So, seven will go to camp with us on Wed. I hope everyone likes them.

I also finished some painted cupcakes today. More (a)rt blocks for me to play with around the house. Although, two of these might very well be gifts too.

I have one more washcloth to knit and I'm dangerously close to finishing the first of a set of baby blankets for twins due in September. Happy Monday!

August 07, 2009

If there is anyone still reading this blog, you may have noticed that I haven't been here for awhile. For some reason I have had a hard time getting here. This summer has been full of unresolved issues and that makes me antsy. Nothing has changed really, but I can feel my energy starting to shift. There are still big questions looming about what life is going to look like for us this coming school year. I am trying to just "be" with all the uncertainty and enjoy each day.

That being said, I'm starting to concentrate on things I can do something about, like organizing (yes, again) and making. As some of you in my "real" life may have heard, I turned 40 (gasp) this summer and it shook me up a little. Well, maybe a lot. I think it might have more to do with not having little babies around anymore that demand all of my attention. That happens, for me, to coincide with my 40th birthday. I'm trying to use this transition to a new decade and a modicum of freedom, wisely, trying to actually accomplish some of the things I have been dreaming about, and talk, talk, talking about for a long time. The list rather long, and arduous. Not easy things,breaking lifelong habits that are destructive, breaking through the barriers to creativity, acquiring some self-discipline, and being gentle with myself and others. I am aware that all of this may take a lifetime to shift. Putting in some awareness and energy seems to feel better than not, at least at the moment.

The first small shift has been a commitment to working on making something everyday. I may not "complete" something everyday but I'm trying to show up. I'm planning on posting my efforts as an antidote to my perfectionism. (That's on the list too!) I realize that I don't have the skills, yet, to translate what is in my head to the canvas/ bag/ whatever, so I'm working on it, by doing it. I know, sounds logical, but it's a big step for me.

I'm two days in, and here are the results so far...

"Every cloud..." for A2, who seems to have his fair share of clouds.

"Early Bird"

"Cape cod"

and "Three martini lunch". This was supposed to be for G's Birthday, better late than never.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to being back in this space. Again. This is on the list too!